St. Thomas Aquinas Football Dynasty Continues With Seventh Straight State Title

The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders are champions again. They defeated Lakeland High School 29-0 on Thursday night at FIU’s Pitbull Stadium in Miami. This victory marks their seventh consecutive state championship. It is also their 17th overall title, a Florida High School Athletic Association record.

The nationally-ranked Raiders capped a 14-1 season with a dominant defensive performance. Their special teams also played a historic role in the shutout win. According to game statistics, Lakeland’s offense was held in check all evening.

Kicker’s Record Night and Defensive Domination Seal Victory

Senior kicker Johnny DiSalvatore was the unexpected star. He tied a state championship game record by kicking five field goals. His accurate leg provided all the scoring through three quarters, earning him the game’s Most Valuable Player award.

The Raiders’ defense was relentless. They chased Lakeland quarterback Kelin Hendrix all night, recording multiple sacks. The unit also forced three critical turnovers, stifling any hope of a Dreadnaughts comeback.

Offensively, quarterback Mason Mallory found his rhythm later in the game. He passed for 261 yards and rushed for 104 more. His 66-yard run in the fourth quarter set up the team’s first touchdown, effectively sealing the victory.

A Historic Run Cements South Florida Football Legacy

This win further cements St. Thomas Aquinas as a national high school football powerhouse. The program’s sustained excellence over nearly a decade is unmatched in the state. Their 17 titles now stand alone at the top of the FHSAA history books.

For Lakeland, a program with nine state titles of its own, the loss was a tough end to a strong season. They finish at 12-2. The Dreadnaughts struggled to find consistency against a faster, more physical Aquinas squad from start to finish.

The Raiders’ seventh straight championship is a testament to program depth and culture. The St. Thomas Aquinas football dynasty shows no signs of slowing down as they look ahead to next season.

Info at your fingertips

What was the final score of the state championship game?

The final score was St. Thomas Aquinas 29, Lakeland 0. The Raiders secured a decisive shutout victory to win the title.

Who was named the MVP of the game?

Senior kicker Johnny DiSalvatore won MVP honors. He tied a state record by making five field goals, providing most of the early scoring.

How many state titles has St. Thomas Aquinas won now?

With this win, St. Thomas Aquinas now has 17 state football championships. This is the most in FHSAA history, extending their own record.

How long is Aquinas’s current championship streak?

This victory marks the Raiders’ seventh consecutive state championship. They have not lost a title game since the 2016 season.

What key stats defined the game?

Aquinas QB Mason Mallory had over 365 total yards. The Raiders’ defense recorded multiple sacks and forced three turnovers, leading to the shutout.